The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office is seeking donations for its annual Jail Holiday Events program. Donations will be accepted until Dec. 11.
The program's goal is to spread some holiday cheer among those who are incarcerated. Program organizers said in a project flyer that they hope to spread holiday cheer, promote positive mental health, and support family reunification.
Renee Casey, the manager of community corrections for Washtenaw County, said the program is one of several activities organized for the incarcerated population during the holiday season.
“Some of the ways in which WCSO supports mental health and the indirect costs to those who are incarcerated during this time of year are by providing personal hygiene and clothing items, holiday cards to send to loved ones, and family reunification events that includes toys and winter clothing for children," Casey said.
Suggested donations include food items, such as individual bags of hot chocolate, pre-popped popcorn, and cookies. The WCSO is also looking for toy donations and wrapping paper. Furthermore, the sheriff's office has an Amazon Wish List that contains donation suggestions. Donors can shop on the Amazon Wish List or drop off their donations at 2201 Hogback Road in Ann Arbor.
Casey said the drive is another way to facilitate community wellness and safety, and by helping to reduce the cost of incarceration, the program benefits the community as well.
“We recognize the direct and indirect costs that incarceration has on our community," Casey said. "We work our mission and to reduce the costs of incarceration daily in the Washtenaw County Jail. This is just one example of the work being done to benefit the greater community.”
For more information on how to contribute, visit washtenaw.org/CivicAlerts on the Washtenaw County website.
